Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky (1817–1900) was a Russian Romantic painter celebrated for his breathtaking seascapes and masterful depictions of light, water, and atmosphere. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he created thousands of works, many capturing the drama and beauty of the sea—from tranquil sunlit waters to tempestuous storms. His ability to convey motion and luminosity made him one of the most renowned marine artists in history. Born in Feodosia, Crimea, to an Armenian family, Aivazovsky studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg and later traveled extensively through Europe, gaining international acclaim. In 1848, he married Julia Grevs, though the marriage ended in separation. Deeply connected to his hometown, he founded an art school and contributed to local cultural life, remaining in Feodosia for much of his life until his death in 1900.